Chief Richard Petrin was sworn in as the new president of the RI Association of Fire Chiefs at their installation of officers banquet, held Saturday, January 30th at The Villa in West Warwick. Chief Petrin takes the reigns from outgoing president Chief Michael Frink of the Dunns Corner’s Fire Department. Chief Petrin is the chief of the Little Compton Fire Department.

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WARWICK — The city’s new fire chief, James G. McLaughlin, took the oath of office Wednesday night, in a packed City Council chamber.
“ I t ’ s u n b e l i e v a b l e , ” McLaughlin said before the ceremonies began, adding he was happy so many firefighters attended.
McLaughlin, 48, joined the department in 1988, was promoted to lieutenant in 1997, became captain in 2005 and then battalion chief in 2009. He became assistant chief in 2013.
Others sworn in Wednesday night included the department’s new assistant chief, David E. Morse, 53, who joined the department in 1985. He was promoted to lieutenant nine years later, then to captain in 2004 and battalion chief in 2011.
Richard J. Bellavance became a battalion chief. Keith R. Brown and Marcel
E. Fontenault Jr. were promoted to captain. Gerard A. Bogossian was made rescue captain. Scott C. Iamarone, Daniel J. DeRobbio, and Christopher W. Albro were made lieutenants. Promoted to rescue lieutenants were Bradford T. Ginaitt and Michael P. Kretchman.
William A. Alsfeld was promoted to lieutenant but was not at the ceremony.
Mayor Scott Avedisian told the firefighters, “Not only are people depending on you, but they are clinging on you,” as firefighters respond to scenes when people are “most vulnerable.”
Raising his hand with each firefighter in turn, Avedisian administered the oaths of office, and the men were pinned by their family.
R e t i r e e s w e r e a l s o recognized. They included Assistant Chief Bruce C. Cooley, Captain Matthew F. McCauley, Rescue Captain Bryan J. Owens, Lieutenant Carl Pecchia and Lieutenant Michael F. Shea.
R e t i r i n g F i r e C h i e f Edmund B. Armstrong received a citation from City Councilors and a plaque from the department.
“We honor you, for everything you’ve done for us. Well deserved; best of luck to you, thank you,” McLaughlin said, shaking hands with Armstrong.
McLaughlin also shared his vision for the department, including having good communication with union officials as well as city officials and making sure the department runs efficiently.
“I will give nothing less than 100 percent for this job,” McLaughlin said.
McLaughlin ended his speech by thanking his family and hugging his father.
—ckozma@providence journal.com
(401) 277-7067
On Twitter: @CarolKozma

Chief Frank Brown was the guest on the Dan Yorke State of Mind Show on Tuesday, January 26th to discuss carbon monoxide issues. Click on the link above to see the full episode.

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Don’t let the recent warm temperatures fool you – the holiday season is upon us and it is time to deck the halls and gather friends and family together. The Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs is reminding you again this year to be “fire smart.” President of the Rhode Island Association, Chief Michael Frink, says “choosing the right tree is a good place to start – pick one that has fresh needles that do not fall off when you touch or shake it.”

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious in nature according to the National Fire Protection Association. Frink adds that where you place the tree is as important as what tree you choose. “Make sure the tree is placed at least 3 feet away from any source of heat, like a fireplace, radiator, heat vents or lights. NFPA numbers show that 1 in every 4 tree fires are due to trees being placed too close to a heating source.”

This goes for not only Christmas trees but also for other holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant and make sure to keep decorations away from heat sources. “We all get busy during the holidays and do more indoor entertaining, “ says Chief Richard Susi, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs, ” so make sure to check your smoke alarms and do not block exit ways during holiday gatherings. Make sure your guests are aware of your home fire escape plan.”

RIAFC board members appeared on the Rhode Show to offer safety tips for deep frying a turkey. Chiefs Frank Brown and Mike Frink were featured in the following segment from the Rhode Show on Tuesday, November 24th. Chiefs Rick Petrin and Rick Susi assisted on the set. (click on the following link )

Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires in the United States.

If deep-frying a turkey is the way you are planning to prepare your holiday feast, the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs reminds you to be aware of potential hazards and take the necessary cooking safety precautions before you cook your meal.

Please follow the tips below so you can enjoy your day this Thanksgiving: